"
Often people want to live and want to die; ambivalence saturates the suicidal act."

~ Kay Redfield Jamison

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Greetings!

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, has always been thought of as the unofficial end of summer, and I hope that you celebrate in a memorable way. For me, this Labor Day marks the 54th anniversary of my grandmother Regina's suicide. I remember that day as if it were yesterday, and if you haven't read my first memoir, Regina's Closet,about my grandmother's life and our relationship, you might consider reading it (mentioned below).

Coincidentally, September is also National Suicide Prevention month. Due to the recent suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, the subject of suicide has been mentioned in the news quite often lately. The most common question circling around the idea of suicide is "Why?" and most often the answer is just speculation, because chances are that we have no idea why someone would choose to take his or her life. I will be writing a number of articles and blogs on the subject during the month of September.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call:

The National Suicide Lifeline 1-800-273 TALK (8255)

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Creatively Yours,

dianaraab.com

September Writing Prompts

Do you know anyone who has committed suicide? If so, write a letter to this person.

If you've ever contemplated suicide, write about how you felt at that time in your life.

No Time To Say Goodbye(memoir) by Carla Fine. This is not a new book, but it's a wonderful work written by the widow of a physician who took his life at the age of forty-three. It powerfully and poignantly deals with the emotions and grieving process of those left behind. Fine wrote the book to share her story and mitigate the stigma and silence inherent in these types of situations. She accentuates how the suicide of a loved one irrevocably transforms those left behind. She reminds us that survivors feel powerless and inadequate in the face of suicide, in addition to feeling hurt and betrayed. "Suicide not only opens up old wounds for family members, but also creates new ones...the suicide of a loved one reshapes us: our beliefs and perceptions have been shaken by the deliberate, permanent departure of a person we have cared for, depended on, cherished, and nurtured," she adds.

﻿(memoir) by Diana Raab. Normally, I don't review my own books, but since it's National Suicide Awareness Month, I wanted to make a nod to my first memoir, Regina's Closet. It's about my maternal grandmother, who committed suicide in my childhood home. I was the one who found her, and many years later, I discovered her journal chronicling her life as an orphan in World War I. The book was published in 2007 and is now available on Amazon for a discounted rate of $14.13. I hope you enjoy it!